Child molest charges have been dismissed against a former Avon church elder.
Daniel Keller was arrested in November 2012 on charges that he molested a 16-year-old boy who had visited his home.
According to a plea agreement, those charges against Keller have been dismissed. However, Keller was sentenced to 365 days in jail for a conviction on an intimidation charge, a class A misdemeanor. All but two days of the sentence were suspended, and he will serve 363 days on probation.
Avon Police arrested Keller last November in connection with 2007 incidents that allegedly took place at Keller's home. The case was brought to light by the lead pastor at Kingsway Christian Church, who alerted police after learning of the allegations.
The victim told police in 2007, he started spending the night at Keller's home. Keller had children around the same age as the alleged victim, who was 16 at the time.
According to the teen, Keller invited a number of students from Avon High School to watch movies. That's when the alleged molestation started.
Keller would reportedly share a blanket the victim during the movie to keep warm. Then he says Keller made a pallet for him stay overnight. The teen says he woke up to find Keller touching him and telling him to never share their "secret."
The victim also told police Keller's wife talked with him, admitting she was jealous that her husband sent more text messages to the 16-year-old boy than to her. The teen says when Keller's wife asked about any weird behavior between the two, he wanted to tell her about the abuse but thought the wife would not believe him. He also feared losing their daughters' friendship.
The alleged victim has had no further contact with Keller or his family members.
